Dayton Engineer

By Shawn Robinson, associate director of news and communications

Tim and Megan Reissman, assistant professors of mechanical engineering, are teaming with the Miami Valley Spina Bifida Organization and Dayton Children’s Hospital for a Go Baby Go! event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 24, at Dayton Children's Hospital's South Campus at 3333 W. Tech Road in Miamisburg.

Go Baby Go! retrofits electric toy cars for toddlers with mobility issues who wouldn’t normally be able to use them. Each car receives adaptations personalized to the children, including push-button controls and headrests.

The Reissmans said they expect to outfit and donate seven cars to families at the event, and possibly more depending on sponsorship.

"In addition to contributing to the common good in the Miami Valley, this is a great hands-on, practical learning experience for our engineering and physical therapy students interested in biomechanics and rehabilitation," said the Reissmans, who participated at a Go Baby Go! event when they were previously with Northwestern University and the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. "These cars create new avenues of play and promote development for kids who are often left on the sidelines. It's a fun form of physical therapy."

The Reissmans said they hope to make this a semi-annual event, along with the Miami Valley Spina Bifida Organization and Dayton Children's Hospital.

Families interested in being considered for a Go Baby Go! donation can contact Joe Miller at mvspinabifida@yahoo.com or 937-236-1122.

For more information, contact Shawn Robinson, associate director of news and communications, at 937-229-3391 or srobinson@udayton.edu.